By Jeff Friedman
Editor’s Note: This week, Jeff Friedman, founder and director of Living-ston Philanthropies, Inc., explains in his own words one of the charity’s initiatives, “Personal Shopping for the Homeless.”
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I want to re-introduce Livingston Philanthropies, Inc.’s (LPI) successful “Personal Shopping for the Homeless” initiative to altruistic Livingston residents – especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With jobs vanishing on a weekly basis, more families are finding themselves living below the poverty line or existing totally out on the cruel streets. Along with the serially homeless, our poorest citizens stand on long food pantry lines, which now wind down streets and around corners. As I often drive through Newark to make quick deliveries to our stalwart distribution partners, I see and feel this bleak reality check firsthand.
What can philanthropic Livingston neighbors do to help? What can we really do to make an impact during these most difficult of times?
It’s easy and truly fun to find online sales. What’s needed by those far less fortunate than many of our Livingston neighbors? The short answer is “everything.” We are asking those who have the means to help fulfill an immediate need. Please concentrate on men’s large and extra-large sizes, including warm coats, jackets, gloves hats, underwear, tee shirts and warm winter shirts.
Diapers in all sizes continue to be an immediate need for young families struggling to make it. It’s impossible to receive enough diapers to go around each week, so personal donations are vital on any level.
To get generous donations to those in need quickly and efficiently, items can be shipped to one’s home, or directly to LPI “World Headquarters” – my Livingston garage. Donors who hear the plea are requested to send me an email at njhomeless@aol.com to arrange drop-off here or convenient private pick-up.
To accommodate those who don’t have the time or desire to shop, LPI personal shoppers/volunteers will do it for you. Monetary contributions may be sent to LPI, P.O. Box 247, Livingston, NJ 07039 or accomplished quickly on PayPal at paypal.me/lpinj. It’s all tax-deductible, including personal shopping purchases.
As always, I thank those generous residents who have been supporting LPI through the pandemic.
Photo: Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) has re-invented itself to make a difference for the homeless and profoundly poor during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, it’s all about shipping or delivering new items such as coats, diapers, men’s clothing, food, baked goods and more. Shown here, Newark Emergency Services ...
